Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$72,432$6,036 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Hamilton County, IA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Hamilton County, IA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Hamilton County, IA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $738 | $8,856 | $29,520 | 12.2% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $791 | $9,492 | $31,640 | 13.1% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $994 | $11,928 | $39,760 | 16.5% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,192 | $14,304 | $47,680 | 19.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,316 | $15,792 | $52,640 | 21.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Hamilton County, IA
Based on the local median household income of $72,432/year ($6,036/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Iowa
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Iowa state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Iowa with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Hamilton County, IA
What is the median household income in Hamilton County, IA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Hamilton County, IA is $72,432 per year (approximately $6,036 per month).
What is the average rent in Hamilton County, IA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Hamilton County, IA are $738 for a studio, $791 for 1 bedroom, $994 for 2 bedrooms, $1,192 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,316 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Hamilton County, IA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Hamilton County, IA is 87.8 (12.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Hamilton County, IA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($994/month) in Hamilton County, IA requires a minimum gross household income of $39,760 per year ($3,313 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Hamilton County, IA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $72,432/year ($6,036/month) in Hamilton County, IA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,018/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,811/month to discretionary spending, and $1,207/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Hamilton County, IA?
Residential electricity rates in Iowa average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.